Top African technology news for January 11, 2017

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is a gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and other startup champions. This year’s event will focus on digital disruption and identifying new ways for entrepreneurs to start and scale new ventures around the world. The weeklong congress will take place from March 13 – 16, 2017.

8. Zimbabwe’s largest bank, CBZ Holdings, will suspend the use of Visa cards on local transactions due to ongoing cash crunch

The new measure will take effect from January 15, 2017 and although customers will be able to make transactions abroad, there will be daily limits of $250 at ATMs, $1,000 for POS transactions and $500 for online payments.

7. Data Science Nigeria is hosting a free e-learning boot camp for young data scientists in Lagos this January

The boot camp aims to address the current capacity gaps in data science for beginners, intermediates and experts. Courses will include machine learning, R statistics and programming/Python for advanced data analytics. It will take place from January 20 – 22, 2017 and the best participants at the boot camp will have a chance to intern with Arise and OneFi.

5. International bitcoin firm, BitX has rebranded as Luno

The rebrand comes with new desktop and mobile apps for Android and iOS, the ability to buy Bitcoin from almost anywhere in the world via credit card, a new enterprise B2B platform, the introduction of a learning portal, new offices in London and new vacant positions in the company. Luno founders tell the rebranding story here.

4. Join technology leaders from Microsoft and across the continent at the NexTechAfrica event happening in Nairobi next month

NexTechAfrica is a 2-day meeting that will bring together unique African voices and perspectives to ensure we are building technology that better supports Africa. It will take place at Radisson Blu in Nairobi from February 2 – 3, 2017. There are limited spots available hence early registration is advised.

2. Entrepreneurs are invited to apply to the Kairos 50 class for a chance to demo their startup on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange

Fifty young entrepreneurs who are solving significant problems will have a chance to meet with corporations, influencers, and strategic investors and pitch on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange during the Kairos Global Summit taking place from April 21 – 22, 2017. Application deadline is February 3, 2017.

1. Kenyan renewable energy firm, PowerGen, has raised $4.5 million in Series A funding

The investment was raised from a consortium led by Dutch firm, DOB Equity and including AHL Venture Partners and private investors Marc Beuls and Billy Harbert. PowerGen will use the money to expand its current micro-grid portfolio, providing more people with access to electricity within the next two years.